[Basic principles in rheumatologic patient education. Theoretical principles and didactic aspects].

Nowadays, the handling of a chronic disease is seen as a process, influenced by a variety of factors. Case studies, taken from health behavior, help to illustrate the conduct of patients suffering from chronic diseases and develop strategies of how to increase a patient's skills in coping with his illness. The concept of self-efficacy beliefs is of great importance and will be discussed in detail. In addition, possible effects of patient education in the comprehensive treatment of rheumatic diseases will be presented. In teaching methods, equal emphasis is placed on the transmission of information as on the development of practical know-how. They are on a par with emotional support, motivation, assistance in accepting the disease and coping with fear. The special methods and media required will be discussed, along with the framework for training methods and qualification required of the staff in charge of training.